Hussein Mohammed, the newly elected President of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), faces a monumental challenge as he leads the country’s preparations to co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The tournament, which is set to take place in February, will be a joint effort with Tanzania and Uganda. However, concerns about Kenya’s readiness to meet the requirements for hosting the event are growing, particularly with key stadiums still under renovation and not yet up to standard.
CAF (Confederation of African Football) has set a firm deadline for completion of the essential infrastructure, with December 31 marking the cut-off date for facilities to meet the necessary specifications. Among the key venues that require significant attention are the Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani) and Nyayo Stadium. Recent inspections by CAF officials have raised serious concerns about the state of these facilities, highlighting several areas that need urgent attention before they can host the championship.
Kasarani, which is expected to accommodate 60,000 spectators, has made some progress but still has a long way to go. According to CAF’s inspection team, the stadium’s renovations are only 71% complete, leaving a substantial gap to reach full readiness. The most critical issues flagged by CAF include incomplete canopies, which are only 40% finished, and a sound system that is a mere 10% functional. These issues are exacerbated by delays in completing the required infrastructure, such as seating arrangements and technical areas, all of which need to be finalized before the deadline. Similarly, Nyayo Stadium, with a capacity of 30,000, has also been identified as needing urgent repairs. Inspectors pointed to ongoing floodlight installations and the presence of moisture on the pitch as major concerns, which could jeopardize its readiness for the tournament.
Despite these setbacks, Kenyan government officials have shown optimism about meeting the CAF deadlines. Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently visited the stadiums and assured the public that renovations were progressing well. He emphasized that the contractors were working around the clock, with a 24-hour work schedule in place to ensure the necessary upgrades were completed in time. Murkomen’s confidence in the project’s timely completion reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring Kenya is prepared to co-host CHAN.
Hussein Mohammed, who assumed office in late 2024, has acknowledged the gravity of the task at hand. In a recent interview, he expressed the urgency with which his administration would approach the preparation efforts. Mohammed has made it clear that his team is ready to move quickly, with plans to address the immediate concerns raised by CAF inspectors. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between FKF, the government, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the necessary renovations and improvements are made without further delay.
The 2024 CHAN will be a pivotal event for Kenyan football, and Mohammed’s leadership will be closely scrutinized as the country works to avoid the embarrassment it faced in 2018. Back then, Kenya was stripped of its rights to host the tournament due to similar delays in infrastructure development. Mohammed is determined to avoid a repeat of that failure and is optimistic about the country’s ability to meet CAF’s expectations.
“There is a sense of urgency,” Mohammed said. “We need to get things done quickly, and the new team has to step up to the challenge. We must take decisive action to ensure that we meet the deadlines and avoid any setbacks.”
As the clock ticks down to the December 31 deadline, the pressure on Kenya’s sports authorities intensifies. The preparations for the tournament will be closely monitored, not only by CAF but also by the Kenyan public, who are eager to see the country succeed in hosting an international football event of this magnitude. The outcome of these efforts will have far-reaching consequences for Kenya’s reputation in the world of African football and could serve as a significant turning point in the country’s sporting landscape.
In the face of daunting challenges, Hussein Mohammed and his team remain determined to move with speed and efficiency, focusing on the completion of the critical infrastructure and ensuring that Kenya meets the stringent requirements set by CAF. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the country can rise to the occasion and deliver on its promises. Time is running out, and the pressure is mounting, but with strong leadership and a concerted effort from all involved, Kenya still has a chance to prove its ability to successfully co-host the 2024 CHAN.
